Software Engineer

Leonardo UK Ltd; Wickford; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence technology company in Wickford is seeking talented software engineers to support defence projects. Ideal candidates will have experience in C++ development, familiarity with Windows & Linux applications, and a willingness to learn new tools. This position offers hybrid working, a competitive benefits package, and is subject to UK security clearance protocols.

Benefits

Generous leave with flexi-days

Award-winning pension scheme

Mental health support and financial advice

Bonus scheme for all eligible employees

Access to online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning

Qualifications

• Good attitude and willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Create a new generation of features and capabilities using innovative software solutions.
• Be a part of a community of world-class software engineers.
• Continuously improve, collaborate and innovate.

Skills

C++ software development

Development of new applications

Embedded development tools and approaches

Windows & Linux applications

Iterative development lifecycles

Tools associated with Iterative lifecycles

Tools

Jira

DevOps

Job description

Job Description

We are on the hunt for talented software engineers to support our Integrated Sensors & Protection line of business, working on a range of defence projects. Direct industry experience is not required; we are happy to explore all backgrounds and help develop all our software engineers.

Your impact

We want to develop a new generation of features and capabilities using innovative software solutions and we need you to create them. You will be a key part in a community of world‑class software engineers who will continuously improve, collaborate and innovate with other engineers to create market‑leading products within the defence industry.

What you’ll bring

• C++ software development
• Development of new applications to meet user expectations and within formal constraints.
• Familiarity with the tools and approaches to embedded development.
• Experience with developing Windows & Linux applications.
• Experience of using Iterative development lifecycles (for example tailored Agile.)
• Experience using tools associated with Iterative development lifecycles (Jira / DevOps.)
• Familiarity with development to design and coding standards.

This is not an exhaustive list, and we are keen to hear from you even if you might not have experience in all the above. The most important skill is a good attitude and willingness to learn.

Security Clearance

This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) will apply, this includes meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We offer a comprehensive, company‑funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to Recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
• Secure your Future: Benefit from our award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your Wellbeing Matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee‑led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• Rewarding Performance: All employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Never Stop Learning: Free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.

Primary Location

GB - Basildon

Contract Type

Permanent

Hybrid Working

Hybrid